US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

42 U.S.C. § 18311

United States human space flight policy

(a)

Use of non-United States human space flight transportation services

(1)

In general

The Federal Government may not acquire human space flight transportation services from a foreign entity unless—
(A)
no United States Government-operated human space flight capability is available;
(B)
no United States commercial provider is available; and
(C)
it is a qualified foreign entity.
(2)

Definitions

In this subsection:
(A)

Commercial provider

The term “commercial provider” means any person providing human space flight transportation services, primary control of which is held by persons other than the Federal Government, a State or local government, or a foreign government.

(B)

Qualified foreign entity

The term “qualified foreign entity” means a foreign entity that is in compliance with all applicable safety standards and is not prohibited from providing space transportation services under other law.

(C)

United States commercial provider

The term “United States commercial provider” means a commercial provider, organized under the laws of the United States or of a State, that is more than 50 percent owned by United States nationals.

(3)

Arrangements with foreign entities

Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the Administrator from negotiating or entering into human space flight transportation arrangements with foreign entities to ensure safety of flight and continued ISS operations.

(b)

United States human space flight capabilities

section 70501(a) of title 51Congress reaffirms the policy stated in , that the United States shall maintain an uninterrupted capability for human space flight and operations in low-Earth orbit, and beyond, as an essential instrument of national security and of the capacity to ensure continued United States participation and leadership in the exploration and utilization of space.

Pub. L. 111–267, title II, § 201124 Stat. 2811Pub. L. 115–10, title III, § 302(d)131 Stat. 25(, , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

Codification

section 70501(a) of title 5142 U.S.C. 16761(a)Pub. L. 111–314, § 5(e)124 Stat. 3443In subsec. (b), “” substituted for “section 501(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 ()” on authority of , , , which Act enacted Title 51, National and Commercial Space Programs.

Amendments

Pub. L. 115–102017—Subsec. (a). amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “It is the policy of the United States that reliance upon and use of non-United States human space flight capabilities shall be undertaken only as a contingency in circumstances where no United States-owned and operated human space flight capability is available, operational, and certified for flight by appropriate Federal agencies.”